You may not be able to change the entire world in one day, but you can commit to making your teeny, tiny part of it a little bit greener.
On April 22, 1 billion people from 192 different countries will celebrate Earth Day, making it the largest civic observance in the world. This year’s festivities feel especially important, considering the latest news on climate change. A groundbreaking new study in the journal Nature predicted that sea levels will rise twice as much by the end of the century as previously estimated, threatening coastal cities.
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But as hard as that is to fathom, it’s even harder to feel empowered to stop it or to feel like what you do on a daily basis can actually make any impact. But here’s the thing: What you do does matter, including how you shop and spend your money. So in honor of the 46th annual Earth Day, try incorporating these new habits into your buying routine, and then feel confident knowing that you’re doing your part to help protect our environment for generations to come.
Order Groceries Online
It may sound counterintuitive, but shopping for groceries online and awaiting their delivery to your front door (via one of those big trucks) is better for the planet than driving yourself to the store. In fact, new research out of the University of Washington found that using a grocery delivery service, like FreshDirect, AmazonFresh, Instacart or Google Express, can actually cut carbon emissions by at least half, compared to individual car trips to the store. That’s because companies fill each truck to capacity and cluster their deliveries by ZIP code, which translates into less driving overall. Besides that, the study found that delivery trucks produced 20 to 75 percent less emissions than personal vehicles driven to the store. Of course, an even better option: Shop locally, so you can walk to the grocery.
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Read the Label
We’re all so used to reading the nutrition label on our snacks to help protect our health, but it turns out that reading the labels on other products can help protect the planet’s health, too. Ignore the marketing materials, which can fool you into thinking something is eco-friendly when it’s not. Instead, look for Environmental Protection Agency-regulated symbols, like the Energy Star, which tells you it meets the EPA’s stringent efficiency standards, or the Safer Choice symbol, which tells you the chemical-based product includes only the safest ingredients for you and the environment.
Every single year, humans produce 299 million tons (and counting) of plastic for bags, bottles, packaging and other commodities. One easy way to reduce your impact: Rather than buy bottled water when you’re out and about, pick up a reusable bottle and fill it at home. The stainless steel models at SierraTradingPost.com, for example, are currently up to 65 percent off.
Another great option: Bring your own shopping bag. The Chicobag, one of my faves, holds up to 25 pounds and folds into a tiny integrated pouch when not in use. Pick a few up at ReUseIt.com, where they’re currently 15 percent off with a purchase of $50 or more (and RetailMeNot’s coupon code). One caveat: If you plan on using your bag to stash groceries, be sure to make a list before you go and then stick to it. A recent study found that when shoppers bring their own eco-friendly bags, they’re also more likely to fill them with junk food, possibly as a reward for their virtuous behavior.
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Splurge
Remember, the cheapest product isn’t always the best choice. If it’s something you truly need (and can’t just borrow or rent), then prioritize quality over price. The better a product is built — whether it’s a piece of clothing or a car — the longer it should last and the less likely it will end up in a landfill, only needing to be replaced again. Making smart decisions now will not only help our planet in the long run, but it will also help you enjoy your time on it more, too.
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How to Be a More Environmentally Friendly Shopper originally appeared on usnews.com
